How do I clean/sanitize a cellulose sponge/pot scrubber combo in the microwave?
Question:I handwash our dishes. The sponge is cellulose on one side with a green "potscrubber" side that's safe for pots with non-stick coatings. The sponge side gets dirty way before the scrubber side wears out. Is there a way to safely clean up the sponge in the microwave to extend its useful life? Non-microwave answers are acceptable also.
Answers:
You can put the microwave on a very low setting such as power level 10% for just 1 minute. You just want to get it hot enough to kill the bacteria (about 55C). I don't recomend this method though since it wont kill the bacterial spores. To do that you would need to reach 121 C for 20 minutes and that will destroy your sponge - and microwave !!
Here is an alternative idea. Make up a bleach solution of 1 part bleach to 20 parts water. This is a 5% solution. Place the dry or squeezed out sponge into the solution and allow it to soak it up. Let it sit in the bleach for at least 10 minutes. Rinse it out and you are good to go.
This method will completly sanitize the sponge. Just be sure to rinse really well so that no residual bleach is present as it will eventually chew up the cellulose and degrade the sponge. A good 3-5 rinses should be sufficient.
Best of Luck!
wah in dishwaher with yuor regular load it will explode in microwave
rinse it well after each use. pop it into the microwave for 20 seconds or so to kill bacteria. the water which remains in the sponge will evaporate quickly.
be careful taking it out of the microwave, as it is extremely hot!
hope this helps.
You can also put the sponge in the dishwasher. This really works, I've tried it. Put it in the silverware container. Otherwise, mircowave it for one minute on high. As long as the potscrubber side isn't metallic it should be fine.
I went back to using a dishcloth, which can be bleached and put in the dryer. I buy cheap plastic scrubbers for pots and pans.
You can buy those in bulk at Costco or other club stores andthey don't cost too much. I hate to waste things but I'm not comfortable using them too long. Too much bacteria and they get stinky. Use it to wash the car when it gets this bad.
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